What Congress Risks By Not Funding Public Transportation

16Jul2015

Public transportation not only provides mobility for millions of Americans, but it also helps power local economies, reduce air pollution, promote public health, and support community growth. Federal funding plays a crucial role in enabling public transit systems around the country to improve and expand.

With federal funding for transportation due to run out on July 31, Congress must understand what’s at risk if they fail to act. Inconsistent, short-term transportation funding has already left many communities with stalled public transit projects. Matters will only grow worse if Congress again fails to pass a long-term transportation bill.

Here are just a few examples from communities of all sizes around the nation:

San Francisco — San Jose Area

California’s Bay Area has some of the worst traffic in the nation. The technology industry drives economic growth across the Bay Area, but the sector is especially concentrated in the Silicon Valley, running from south of San Francisco down to the San Jose area. Public transportation would be improved by an expansion of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) that would bring the commuter train system to San Jose. But the proposed multi-billion dollar expansion depends on federal support.

In calling for a long-term transportation bill, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said that Congress needs to look toward the future, just as Silicon Valley innovators help invent the future.

“We look to the future, we have the vision to invest in the future. And we need a Congress that has the same vision that we have in Silicon Valley.”

BART’s expansion to San Jose will take years to complete, which is why a commitment to funding is needed now. Without a strong federal transportation bill, though, even immediate BART improvements are threatened, according to BART Director Nick Josefowitz. BART has funded 775 new rail cars, but it needs 1,000 to provide the needed levels of service and reliability. The extra 225 cars require federal investment from Congress.

Santa Cruz, California
Metro CEO Alex Clifford said that without consistent long-term federal funding, the local bus system could go into a “downward spiral.”

Snohomish County, Washington
Federal funding is crucial to the launch of a new bus line in the county. “Thriving communities like ours are dependent upon a strong transportation system,” said County Executive John Lovick.

Lake County, Ohio
Public transit official Raymond Jurkowski highlighted the need for federal funds for operating assistance “to meet future demand for all Ohio urban and rural transit systems.”

The consequences of not funding public transportation are real. Congress needs to recognize that failure to pass a multi-year transportation bill will impact the quality of life for millions of Americans.

Following yet another short-term extension — this time just for two months — Congress has until July 31 before federal funding for public transportation runs out. The time for action is now.

Are You Playing Our Online Scavenger Hunt?

15Jul2015

In case you’ve missed it, Voices for Public Transit has been holding an online scavenger hunt to highlight the importance of public transit—and why Congress needs to pass a long-term transportation funding bill before the deadline of July 31, when current funding is set to run out.

Do you know…

What commuter rail system operates with the oldest rail cars in the U.S?

What bus system uses citizen drivers who drive buses, reach their destination, and then go to their regular jobs at the end of the line?

What was the first federally funded bus rapid transit (BRT) system in the country?

These are just some of the questions we’re been asking in our scavenger hunt. Head to the Public Transportation Facebook page to find the latest question and clues—and then play along.

How it Works

Each week, we’ll post a new question and provide three clues, each on a different day.

When you think you have the answer, share your guess by posting a comment on Facebook or replying on Twitter. If you prefer, you can email your answer to info@voicesforpublictransit.org. We’ll highlight the first 10 people to get the right answer.

In addition to being fun, our scavenger hunt shows examples of how public transportation is working for America. And when you share questions, clues, and answers on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, you help spread the word about the importance of public transportation.

After the success of April’s National Stand Up 4 Transportation Day, May’s Online Rally to Rebuild America, and the 10th Annual Dump the Pump day in June, Congress is starting to get the message that Americans don’t just want them to pass comprehensive, long-term funding for public transportation—they need them to.

Our scavenger hunt—along with more letters to Congress—will help keep the pressure on Congress to take action before transportation funding again expires on July 31.

Transit Systems Help Fulfill Our #PledgeToRide

19Jun2015

On June 18, Voices for Public Transit participants took to the streets…by way of their local buses, streetcars, and rail systems. Leaving their cars at home, they didn’t have to drive white-knuckled in heavy traffic or struggle to find parking.

Instead, they took part in the 10th annual National Dump the Pump Day—an event highlighting the value of public transportation for communities, the environment, and household budgets.

Voices for Public Transit supporters also participated by taking the online #PledgeToRide and posting their support on Facebook and Twitter. By spreading the word on social media, transit supporters reached more than 287,261 people online. Check out some of the photos we got from public transit advocates across the country:

Highlights from Around the Country

Transit systems around the country made it easy, fun, and affordable for people to leave their cars behind. All told, 176 public transit systems and another 46 organizations participated in the annual event.

Public transportation plays an important role in American communities of all sizes, so it was great to see the variety of systems taking part in the event. Just a few highlights include:

Springfield, Missouri—For City Utilities Transit Services, one day of celebration wasn’t enough. Dump the Pump Day—with free rides—was just one part of “Communities in Motion Week,” which also included a blood drive and a salute to veterans.

Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, Pennsylvania—Bus systems in the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton areas offered free rides, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of using public transportation. Both systems serve urban centers and surrounding communities.

Los Angeles and Orange County, California—In the entertainment capital of the world, transit officials delivered their message in dramatic fashion. During a press event, a motorcycle officer served divorce papers on a car. L.A. Metro President Phil Washington explained that area residents can save almost $13,000 a year by divorcing their cars.

Where is Congress?

National Dump the Pump Day helped serve notice to Congress that Americans are waiting for a long-term transportation funding measure. The current short-term extension of transportation funding runs out in less than six weeks—on July 31.

Because of shortcomings in public transportation funding, approximately 45 percent of Americans have no access to public transportation. If Congress is serious about helping Americans get around, they will find a way not only to maintain the transportation system that we have, but also support the expansion of transportation options for every community in the nation. Time is running out to find a solution this year.

Pledge to Ride

16Jun2015

On June 18, unite with people around the country to give up your car for the day. Instead, ride public transportation, bike, or walk to work and other destinations as part of the 10th annual National Dump the Pump Day.

It’s Happening Nationwide—and Online

Many public transit systems around the country will be providing free rides, giving away prizes, and running contests to encourage people to leave their cars at home and explore the advantages of public transportation.

You can help raise awareness and encourage others to get involved in just three quick steps:

By downsizing to one car and using public transportation, a two-person household can save nearly $9,400 a year on average.

Public transit use cuts carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually. More public transit use and fewer cars on the road will lead to further carbon reductions.

The more people who use public transit—and call on our elected officials to make it a priority—the more it will continue to grow and connect us.

Help us show America that the Voices for Public Transit community doesn’t just talk the talk—we walk the walk. Pledge to ride public transit Thursday, June 18—then share pictures of yourself fulfilling the pledge.

Voices for Public Transit Rally to Rebuild America

05Jun2015

On May 13, as part of the online Rally to Rebuild America, thousands of advocates united to call on Congress to pass long-term transportation funding.

We emailed legislators, sent letters to editors of local papers, and posted photos on our Facebook Rally to Rebuild America page. Our message was LOUD and CLEAR: We need real investment in our nation’s transportation infrastructure.

The Rally to Rebuild America

During our virtual Rally to Rebuild America, we were joined by mayors from all around the country. They went to Capitol Hill in person to reiterate that cities and communities of all sizes need consistent, long-term funding for transportation.

Voices for Public Transit and other online supporters reinforced the mayors’ message by:

Sending more than 11,000 emails to Congress

Delivering more than 22,000 petition signatures to every congressional office

Reaching more than 300,000 people online through our Facebook event

Congress knows Americans want a long-term transportation bill before funding expires. Funding was set to expire on May 31, but Congress has passed yet another short-term extension, moving the deadline to July 31. While we are glad Congress isn’t going to let transportation funding come to a complete stop, we need more than just quick fixes—we need real solutions.

What Happens Next?

One way or another, we will hear from Congress in the coming weeks. If Congress cannot deliver a long-term solution to our transportation funding crisis by July 31, we expect at the very least to see a timetable for Congress to pass a comprehensive transportation bill. The American people deserve assurances—real assurances set by a vote in the House and Senate—that a long-term bill is on the way. America is watching and we will remember how Congress acts—or doesn’t act—on this issue.

Schools Compete at Sustainable Transportation Competition

21May2015

Schools Compete at Sustainable Transportation Competition

Voices for Public Transit know America’s future is riding on public transportation. We need a totally transformed national transportation network that enables the mobility of our growing population for decades to come.

But transportation entails much more than the physical infrastructure of buses, rail cars, roads, bridges, and rail. The future of transportation depends on people—future leaders, planners, inventors, engineers, technologists, and operators. We need members of the next generation to understand the importance of public transportation and to pursue careers in this critical arena.

In 2005, Congress upped the ante on transportation-focused education by establishing the Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education Program (GAMTTEP). Garrett Morgan (1877-1963) was an African American inventor who designed an early traffic signal.

As part of GAMTTEP, transportation systems, companies, and organizations partner with middle school classes in their region to compete in the Garrett Morgan Symposium competition to prepare and present projects focused on sustainable transportation. The winning classroom is awarded $1,000.

We’re super-proud of the great work of the Gaithersburg Middle School team, who drew on key transportation facts and figures to make a spirited case for public transportation. The video emphasizes a central point of the public transportation community, namely that, “Where public transportation goes, community grows.”

Congratulations to all of the participants. It’s great to see young people getting excited about public transportation. Our nation will be riding on their vision.

Help Us Rally to Rebuild America

05May2015

Congress knows the score. They only have until the end of May to come up with legislation that puts American public transportation back on track.

After Stand Up 4 Transportation Day, Congress recognizes that people all around the country are watching and waiting for action. But will they muster the courage and political will to get the job done?

You don’t have to wait until May 13 to get involved—feel free to start taking action now! Even if you’ve written already written your elected officials, please write again as part of the Rally to Rebuild America.

If Congress fails to act, cities of every size will see declines in their bus and rail operations. The cost of Congress’s failure could translate into a $227 billion blow to community economies over the next six years. In addition, at least 66 public transportation projects would be at risk.

When America’s mayors visit Capitol Hill, they’ll be accompanied by a diverse group of business, community, and labor leaders. On many issues, business and labor don’t see eye to eye. But on transportation, there is wide agreement that our nation must start to address our transportation challenges now—before we slip further behind.

The Rally to Rebuild America is your chance to make your voice heard as we rally one more time for public transportation and the roads, bridges, and ports we all rely on! Join the Rally today!

Stand Up 4 Transportation Day

10Apr2015

On April 9—National Stand Up 4 Transportation Day—thousands of Voices for Public Transit members delivered a firm, clear, and LOUD message to Congress: America needs comprehensive, long-term transportation funding now!

Overall, it was a tremendous day for public transportation advocacy. Tens of thousands of people around the country participated online and in their local communities. We also enlisted the help of more than 350 transportation systems, supportive businesses, and government agencies.

Highlights included:

Transportation advocates held more than 150 events in communities around the nation.

22,425 supporters signed our petition, and our online “Thunderclap” reached more than 915,000 people on social media.

Voices for Public Transit like you sent 11,500 emails to members of Congress.

At least 60 people sent letters to the editor to their local news media.

More than 19,000 new supporters joined the Voices for Public Transit movement.

Together, all of this activity shined a spotlight on the value of public transportation and the urgent need for Congress to move forward and pass a multi-year transportation bill. The ball is now in Congress’s court. Legislators need to consider current proposals, develop new options, and pass a long-term transportation bill that includes improved and expanded public transportation. The deadline is May 31: the Highway Trust Fund and Mass Transit Account once again run out of money. We’ll be keeping the pressure on Congress to take real action. Stay tuned for updates on what’s happening in Washington, and how you can help keep them focused on the real goal.

Houston Launches Reconceived Transit System

19Mar2015

Last month, Houston officially approved an entirely redesigned bus system that will better serve residents today—and lay the groundwork for future expansion. Drawing on a new grid design, Houston’s Metro service will use the current bus fleet to provide more efficient and frequent service without incurring additional fixed costs.

Why Change?

Houston Metro launched in the 1970s—and a lot has changed since then. The city has grown and a light rail system—now with three lines—has been added. The local bus system needed to address the growth of the city and changing travel habits. City leaders and transit planners recognized that Metro could better serve a larger share of area residents by making substantial changes to the system.

To develop and refine the new transit system, Metro planners sought input from a diverse array of community members. All told, more than 110 organizations, agencies, and local governments were invited to help shape the plan.

Emphasizing Fundamentals

At its heart, the new plan aims to serve more people—to provide more service, more frequently, that matches where and when people travel. Key aspects of the new plan include:

Access—Under the old Metro system, about 534,000 lived within a half-mile of bus service. The new system increases that number to more than 1.1 million people. The number of jobs within a half-mile of service will increase by an estimated 55%.

Simplicity—For many, the old system was too complex. The new system will have simpler, straighter routes and more reliable, consistent service.

Frequency—The most heavily used routes will now operate 15 hours a day, 7 days a week, with buses running at 15-minute intervals or less. Notably, Metro is expanding weekend service, recognizing that people need to travel every day.

Connections—Metro will enable stronger connections between buses and between bus and light rail.

What's Next?

Houston Metro’s goal is to have the new system up and running by August of this year. While no new buses will be added, Metro must replace every single bus stop sign, move and install new bus shelters, and print new schedules and information. Metro will also launch a massive public education campaign.

As part of the new plan, Metro has also created a framework for allocating funding for system expansion. As more dollars become available—and as the city grows—Metro will be prepared to expand service in ways that make the best use of resources.

#StuckInTraffic Twitter Town Hall Shows Momentum for a Transportation Solution

27Feb2015

On February 11, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx appeared before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to lay out the Obama administration’s vision for American transportation. Then, as soon as the hearing was over, he and Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-9-PA) hopped onto a national Twitter Town Hall to listen and answer questions from anyone on Twitter.

Consensus for Long-term Transportation Funding

Over 90 minutes, more than 1,000 tweets were posted with the town hall hashtag #StuckInTraffic. Individuals and organizations shared ideas, raised concerns, and asked questions. The tweet traffic made it clear that a diverse range of voices want to see America’s transportation infrastructure crisis addressed.

Notably, two key business organizations—the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)—as well as the American Public Transportation Association participated in the town hall and voiced their support for a renewed and increased federal commitment to transportation infrastructure. The Chamber tweeted, “Federal #highway & #transit programs are integral to economic growth across the U.S.; more investment is better for America.” The NAM posted several infographics and highlighted that transportation infrastructure projects will “add 1.3 million jobs at the onset.”

Though Foxx and Shuster represent different political parties, they supported each other’s points and sounded determined to find a bipartisan solution. In response to a question about the duration of a transportation bill, Shuster underscored that it is “ESSENTIAL to have long-term bill. 5-6 years is what we should look at.” Secretary Foxx emphasized that “Multimodal IS the future. Finding new ways to move people, products will increase flows—rail, transit, highways—we need it all.”

Americans Voice Their Transportation Priorities

The #StuckInTraffic Twitter town hall gave every participant a chance to share ideas, information, and concerns. Several themes emerged, including:

Access - Several participants highlighted the need for fair public transportation access for all, including underserved communities, rural Americans, and seniors.

Safety - During the town hall, we heard a lot about safety and the need for “Complete Streets,” which serve cars, public transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Economic Opportunity - Lots of tweeters highlighted the economic benefits that come from investments in transportation, including public transit. The American Planning Association, for instance, noted that Cleveland’s investment in bus rapid transit (BRT) resulted in $5 billion in economic development and 4,000 new housing units.

These points—and many others—make the case for renewed federal support for public transportation. The message is getting through, but we can still do more.

Advice from Chairman Shuster: Contact Your Members of Congress

One tweeter asked what Americans can do to improve their commutes? Chairman Shuster had a blunt answer: “Encourage your members [of Congress] to improve ALL modes so they work together as 1 system, instead of many.” We agree. April 9 is national Stand Up for Transportation Day and public transportation supporters across the country will be calling on Congress—by phone, by email, on social media, and in person—to finally move forward with a large-scale plan to improve and transform American public transportation. In the meantime, you can send an email NOW at the Voices for Public Transit Action Center.